ABCs of Gardening: Damage is likely too heavy to save tree

Saturday

Jul 30, 2011 at 2:00 AM

q. I have a tree that has lost some major limbs this past year. I noticed small holes on the limbs and the trunk. There is also bark coming off in some areas of the trunk. Do you think I can save the tree? — A reader in Glen Spey

Marianna Quartararo

q. I have a tree that has lost some major limbs this past year. I noticed small holes on the limbs and the trunk. There is also bark coming off in some areas of the trunk. Do you think I can save the tree? — A reader in Glen Spey

a. Small holes on a tree's trunk or limbs usually indicate a borer of some kind.

Boring insects lay their eggs on the bark. The larvae hatch out and crawl under cracks and crevices to begin feeding on the cambium layer of the tree.

This area just under the bark is the living portion of the tree and is responsible for moving water and nutrients up and down the tree. Once there is significant damage to this area, the tree will die.

If the damage is not extensive (in this case it is), you may be able to save the tree by having a professional who is licensed to apply pesticides, do a soil injection of an appropriate pesticide. The tree will take up the pesticide through its roots and distribute it throughout its vascular system.

This may or may not work. If there is too much damage, the tree won't be able to take the pesticide up and distribute it fully through the branches and canopy. If a tree has as much damage as you describe, I advise that you have it taken down, as you will not be able to save it.

Q. I am having trouble growing squash this year. Some of the leaves are wrinkled and other plants are not very big. I have fertilized, watered, begged and threatened and they are not responding. — A reader in Liberty

A. All members of the squash family are generally easy to grow. First, those plants with the wrinkled leaves sound like they have a virus. There is no cure for plant viruses, so remove them immediately and throw them out in the trash.

Viruses are primarily spread through insect feeding. Cucumber beetles, aphids, thrips and leafhoppers come to mind as prime vectors for the spread of viruses. Check your plants for insects and work on controlling them.

Monitor the other plants, and if you notice leaves beginning to wrinkle and curl, remove them also.

Next, check the pH of the soil. If you are applying fertilizer and it does not appear to do anything, perhaps the pH needs to be adjusted. This time of year you will not be able to adjust the pH fast enough to help the plants; however, it will be good to know what you need to do for next year. It takes several months to adjust soil pH.

How is the drainage in the garden? We had a very wet spring and if your soil is not loose and well drained, you could have pythium root rot affecting your plants. If it did not kill them outright, it may have damaged enough of the roots to result in poor, stunted growth.

Q. I have potatoes that I stored. They turn black when I cook them. Is there something wrong with these potatoes? — A reader in Monticello

A. Potatoes should be stored in a brown paper bag in a cool, dark location away from fruit. Do not store in the refrigerator. Storing them below 45 degrees will result in the potato turning black when cooked.

Cooking them in aluminum pots will also discolor them.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.